Tuesday, June 12, 2007

No, not the PCUSA which is itself only twenty-four years old, but the building ...

"Presbyterian church celebrates 275 years" - Examiner, 6/7/07:
Shrewsbury Presbyterian shares an intersection with two other long-term congregations, the Quaker Meeting House and Christ Church Episcopal. The corner may be one of the most historical intersections in Monmouth County.

The congregation received an official corporate seal on its charter in 1732, proclaiming "Religious Liberty." It is the oldest of any American Presbyterian Church and was granted by Gov. Jonathan Belcher in the name of King George II of England.

The corporate seal actually belonged to four churches that constituted the "Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County" - namely, Shrewsbury, Freehold (Old Tennent), Cranbury and Allentown.

The congregation has been the "parent" of two offspring: Tower Hill (First Presbyterian) in Red Bank and Hope Presbyterian Church in Tinton Falls.
I've at least driven past all those churches mentioned, quite often in some cases, and even set foot inside a couple. The one in Cranbury is breathtaking. I was shown the interior during a tour of their preschool. I've said before that I like the absence of entrance steps, a very egalitarian symbol.

When I lived in Tinton Falls, I thought I might visit HPC especially after hearing their pastor deliver the homily at our Thanksgiving Day ecumenical service. But, even as the church was beautiful, it was intimidating.

I love the New Jersey Churchscape web site. This state has great churches ... with all due respect to eastern PA. The best concentration is in Madison (Morris Cty.).

No comments: